As a car owner, you will almost certainly encounter one or two problems with your vehicle at some point, particularly if it is old, or second-hand. As such, it's a good idea to learn how to cope with the car issues that tend to occur most frequently. Here are two such issues, along with some advice on how to handle them.

A flat battery

If you often use your car for short journeys, live in a cold climate or have a vehicle that is old, it's quite likely that your battery will eventually stop working. The good news is that in most cases, it is relatively easy to remedy this problem. If the battery dies whilst you are on the road, pull over to a safe spot. If you have a family member or friend who owns jumper cables and is available to assist you, then you should be able to jump-start the vehicle with their help. Whilst it can be useful to keep some jumper cables stored in your car, it should be noted that you will still need a second person to help you with the jump-starting process.

Additionally, it's worth remember that jumps-tarting is only a temporary solution; if the battery goes flat once, it will probably do so again in the future. Because of this, it's important to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as you can.

If you don't know anyone with jumper cables and do not have roadside breakdown cover, you may need to have the vehicle towed. Car towing prices can vary, depending on which company you use and how far you need your vehicle transported. You should prepare for this situation before it occurs; do your research and find a local towing business that offers a service within your price range. Then, make sure to keep their contact details in the glove box of your car, so that you can get in touch with them if you need to.

A flat tyre

Even if you have roadside breakdown cover, it's sensible to teach yourself (or have someone show you) how to change a flat tyre. Along with the above-mentioned dead battery, a flat tyre is one of the most common problems car owners are likely to experience. You can look online for free video tutorials on changing tyres, or check your owner's manual for instructions.

Before you begin to change the tyre, it's essential to find a safe spot in which to park the vehicle and to check that your hazard lights are on.  

Make sure that you keep all of the tools you will need to complete this task in your car at all times; in addition to the essentials (a spare tyre, a lug wrench and a jack), it may also be helpful to keep a few other items in your boot. Things like a headlamp or flashlight, a fluorescent warning triangle, and a raincoat will be of great use if you need to change the tyre on a rainy night. Additionally, a pair of gloves and a mat to kneel on will keep your clothes and hands clean during this process. 

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